Donald Trump's doctor forced to address rash on his neck spotted during appearance
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News
White House physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, has addressed concerns surrounding his health after Donald Trump was spotted sporting a highly-inflamed new rash on his neck.
The deep red blotch was first spotted by eagle-eyed onlookers on Monday (2 Mar), after the Republican appeared during a Medal of Honour Ceremony.
The focus of the high-profile meeting had been hinged on Trump, 79, honouring medals to three soldiers who'd fought at war - one who'd served during World War II, one who served in Vietnam and a third who served in Afghanistan.
Stepping up to the stage to present Master Sgt Roderick 'Roddie' Edmonds, retired Command Sgt Maj Terry Richardson and Staff Sgt Michael Ollis with their highest military accolades, however, many attendees' eyes were drawn straight to the President's neck.
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There, a burgundy rash peaked out from Trump's collar, immediately fuelling a horde of online conspiracy theories.
After questions were raised regarding the politician's well-being - especially given the ceaseless health and age-related insults Trump directed at presidential predecessor Joe Biden during his stint in the Oval Office - the White House's on-hand physician has spoken out.
Providing a statement to CBS News, Dr Sean Barbabella claimed the rash had been caused by a cream prescribed to Trump.
"President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment," the osteopathic doctor explained.
"The president is using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks."
Barbabella refused to disclose the nature of the skin condition Trump had been diagnosed with, however.
This is far from the first time that Trump's team have been subjected to questioning regarding the father-of-five's health.
Since returning to the White House for the second time in January of last year, the right-wing leader has been ceaselessly interrogated over an obscure bruise that sporadically appears on the back of his hands.
Though Trump has repeatedly put this enigma down to aggressive handshaking, and in spite of his administration claiming it's caused by him taking a higher dose of aspirin than usual, some medics have suggested his use of IV vitamin drips.
He also sparked concern over his wellbeing after being photographed with swollen ankles in June of last year, after which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed he'd been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a blood circulation issue.
This all came in spite of Barbabella previously insisting that Trump - who happens to be the oldest person in history to be sworn in as President - 'remains in excellent overall health'.
The doctor's assertion came after the politician underwent two full medical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in December of last year.
In his statement, Barbabella insisted he's personally conducted a 'cardiovascular image' screening on Trump, who also underwent a comprehensive neurological examination, which revealed 'no abnormalities in his mental status'.
"President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State," the physician concluded.